Posted by Cliff in Wisc. on Saturday, June 01, 2002 at 4:53PM :
My family has 35+ years with Chrysler. I have only owned Chryslers. I built Chryslers at the Belvidere Assy plant in Belvidere, Il.. I spend several weeks a year in automotive plants in Detroit.
I own a 1952 flat fender and have a 1999 1500. Just got back from the local Dodge dealer and am extremely disappointed. I drove the new Ram 1500. First - here is what I liked: tie downs are not embedded into the bottom of the bed where the holes fill up with debris, independant front suspension, 20" wheels available, more interior room, 4 doors, rear windows that roll down, rear seat storage, 4 wheel disk brakes - anti-lock. That's all I liked.
Here is what stopped me from buying the truck today.
1)I am 6 ft - feel it is more difficult getting into it. Funny thing is - it is way lower.
2)Can't see over hood. Less field of vision than current truck.
3) Dash looks like a Nissan Pathfinder from 1985. Squared off and hard. Old dash on SLT Laramie is way better.
4) It does not have as much clearance. Lower.
5) I realize the goal is to have it ride like a car - they succeeded, however, it has lost it's high riding truck feel.
6)Acceleration was poor - yes - I realize that it was not broken in. Could not break the rear tires loose (yes some think this is good). My current truck will break them loose no problem - even when gummy new.
Someone seriously missed the boat from the front seat forward. When will that PW concept vehicle become real? I hope they have a four door version - if they miss that.
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